Financial Aid Counselor Overview Date Posted: 1/8/2025 Location: Erie Address: 1858 West Grandview Boulevard City: Erie State: PA Country: United States of America Category: Financial Services Employment Status: Full-time Description JOB SUMMARY: The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for providing counseling and financial assistance to prospective and accepted students in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, healthcare administration, medical education, biomedical sciences, post-baccalaureate studies and all other programs offered at LECOM. CHARACTERISTIC JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following are a list of Academic Exercises that may be required from time to time: + Promotes and preserves the mission of LECOM; + Acts as administrative representative with faculty, staff and visitors in a professional, friendly manner at all times; + Maintains confidentiality, professional appearance and pleasant demeanor; + Authorize student payments and/or refunds concerning aid; + Provide financial aid presentations to interview applicants for all programs offered at LECOM; + Veteran's Administration Certifying Official for all students with a veteran status and process Veterans’ Benefits for veterans to ensure they receive their benefit to assist with educational expenses; + Provide counseling to students on the financial aid process for all programs offered by LECOM; + Advise and counsel students regarding sources of financial aid, application procedures, debt management, and satisfactory academic progress; + Award federal financial aid in compliance with regulations; + Certify and process student loan applications; + Determine financial need and verify aid eligibility for students; + Coordinate with multiple agencies for the delivery of financial aid funds; + Maintain paper and database student financial records in accordance with federal regulations; + Assist with the development of new budgets and educational materials for each academic year; + Conduct presentations regularly throughout the year on financial aid procedures and eligibility requirements; + Participate in campus functions such as; commencement, ceremonies, orientation, and open houses; + Participate in professional development programs; + Communicate regularly with the student population regarding updates, deadlines, and scholarship opportunities; + Data entry, clerical, and phone responsibilities necessary to accomplish departmental goals and objectives; + Contribute directly to the Mission of LECOM embodying the essence of Osteopathic Principles and Practices by assisting with Institutional fundraising and participating in the LECOM Scholarship Auction; + Participate in scholarly activity so to enrich and broaden the student learning experience; + Commit to being a representative of LECOM by being actively involved in the community, including, but not limited to, serving on Boards, participating in community fundraisers and overall outreach; OTHER DUTIES : The Department of Student Affairs works as team unit with members being cross-trained on responsibilities to facilitate daily duties. As such, other duties may include: + Learn about all programs and be able to answer student inquiries; + Respond to various communication inquiries regarding the admissions process; + Conduct on-campus tours; + Participate in the Applicant Interview process for all programs, including greeting applicants, assisting with presentations, leading tours, etc.; + Update various applicant files and notify students of application status; + Assist in processing applications for the Institutional Programs; + Analyze data for all programs and create Excel graphs as requested; + Assist with the planning and implementation of on-campus events related to admissions, including On-Campus Day, LECOM events, orientation, and the like; + Participate in various annual college events, including Commencement, White Coat Ceremony, Hospital Day, On-Campus Day, Orientation, and Open Houses; + Support Admissions Representatives in all Programs; + Serve as back up support to College Receptionist, on an as-needed basis; + Provide Student Affairs support service for enrolled students; and + Other duties as required / needed to maintain an efficient and effective Department. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled Minimum Requirements KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Must possess required knowledge and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed. + Strong computer literacy with MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel…etc.) and accurate data entry skills; + Enthusiastic, good sense of humor, and a professional positive attitude; + Excellent understanding of the admissions process and a demonstrated ability to market and promote professional programs in healthcare administration, medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry; + Willingness to maintain an established work schedule; + Adherence to all local, state, federal laws and LECOM policies and procedures; + Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments and meet deadlines; + Knowledge of pertinent laws, policies / procedures and/or guidelines affecting areas of responsibility; + Ability to be self-reliant and follow instructions; + Sound decision-making capabilities and the ability to work independently and as directed by the Institutional Director or his/her designee; + Willingness to assume responsibility; initiate appropriate action; and maintain confidentiality; + Knowledge of and ability to maintain confidentiality of patient (HIPAA) and student privacy (FERPA); + Compliance with State and Federal Regulations and Safety Protocols (OSHA); + Ability to be trained and certified on the Institutional Data System; + Effective use of interpersonal and communications skills, including tact and diplomacy; + Effective use of organizational and planning skills, including attention to detail and follow-through; + Time management skills in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands; + Willingness to maintain confidentiality of work-related information and materials; + Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships; + Willingness to be flexible and accept other duties needed/assigned; The ability to work cooperatively and collegially with others, consistent with a workplace of dignity and respect in compliance with EEO rules and regulations; + The ability to report to work as scheduled, ready to devote full attention and energy to the important work of LECOM; and + The ability to accept work directives from managers and supervisors in a respectful and cooperative manner. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :Education and experience equivalent to: a Bachelors’ Degree and a minimum of one (1) year of relevant work experience required. Candidates with accounting, banking, or other financial work experience are encouraged to apply.